- This 230-acre conservation area within the Tahoma State Forest protects mature, structurally complex forest and contributes to habitat connectivity for northern spotted owls within the surrounding landscape. The conservation area includes mid-elevation old-growth forest communities ranging from 100 to well over 200 years of age. Douglas fir and western hemlock dominate the forest overstory, but silver fir and noble fir are also common. The forest understory includes species such as beargrass, red huckleberry, Pacific rhododendron, vanilla leaf, cutleaf goldthread and queencup beadlily.